This archive report was first published on 16 December 2019.
Tharaka Nithi County has seen a significant decline in Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) cases, thanks to the efforts of women who have abandoned the practice. However, these women are now facing a new challenge: backlash from diehard traditionalists and their peers who continue to secretly circumcise young girls.
According to Grace Kathini, a former FGM practitioner, she had been receiving Sh2,000 in cash and occasionally, some livestock for every girl she cut. She had been practicing FGM since 1979 and had averaged 30 girls per month during her busiest months.
However, after seeing people arrested and jailed for the practice, Kathini decided to quit. She says the allure of quick cash made her do it, but now she is facing a backlash from her peers.
Other women, including Phides Gachwe, Phyllis Kithinji, Regina Kamene, and Lois Kiria, have also admitted to conducting FGM in Tharaka for years but have now called it quits. They say they are now facing ostracism from their community for going against the traditional practice.
Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner Beverly Opwora and Plan International director of programmes, Mercy Chege, have lauded the women for their decision to abandon FGM. Opwora said police had arrested a number of FGM practitioners and warned that mothers who let their children undergo FGM will be prosecuted.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has committed to eradicating FGM by 2022, and the government is appealing to chiefs, police, the Judiciary, and county commissioners to do their part in the fight against the practice.
